DESCRIPTION
Bacitracin zinc and polymyxin B sulfate ophthalmic ointment, USP is a sterile antimicrobial ointment formulated for ophthalmic use.
Bacitracin zinc is the zinc salt of bacitracin, a mixture of related cyclic polypeptides (mainly bacitracin A) produced by the growth of an organism of the licheniformis group of Bacillus subtilis var Tracy. It has a potency of not less than 40 bacitracin units/mg. The structural formula for bacitracin A is:
Polymyxin B sulfate is the sulfate salt of polymyxin B1 and B2, which are produced by the growth of Bacillus polymyxa (Prazmowski) Migula (Fam. Bacillaceae). It has a potency of not less than 6,000 polymyxin B units/mg, calculated on an anhydrous basis. The structural formulae are:
Each gram contains: Actives: bacitracin zinc equal to 500 bacitracin units and polymyxin B sulfate equal to 10,000 polymyxin B units; Inactives: mineral oil and white petrolatum.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Polymyxin B sulfate attacks gram-negative bacilli, including virtually all strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae species.
Bacitracin is active against most gram-positive bacilli and cocci including hemolytic streptococci.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
For the treatment of superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by organisms susceptible to bacitracin zinc and polymyxin B sulfate.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
This product is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
PRECAUTIONS
As with other antibiotic preparations, prolonged use may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. Appropriate measures should be taken if this occurs.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch & Lomb Incorporated at 1-800-553-5340 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
